Cainiao Smart Logistics Network, (Cainiao) and Saudia Cargo are partnering to operate five weekly flights from Hong Kong to Liege in Belgium, with Riyadh city as a connection point.
They will form a skybridge linking Asia, Europe and Middle East to cater to the growing e-Commerce demand for the logistics arm of Alibaba Group
Middle East is one of the top five overseas markets for Cainiao, with shipment volume growing 20 per cent year-on-year. With the launch of new flights, customers in Middle East will be able to receive their online orders from China in as fast as 10 days. The popular products among Middle Eastern customers are electronic goods, apparels and household products.
William Xiong, Cainiao’s Chief Strategist and General Manager of Export Logistics said: “The partnership with Saudia Cargo is key to expanding our global logistics network to improve export efficiency. With the launch of new flights, both merchants and customers in China, Saudi Arabia and Europe will benefit from a better logistics experience.
“This new route will be one of the key elements to creating a seamless logistics network and increasing synergies between different regions.”
Commenting on this agreement with Cainiao, Saudia Cargo’s CEO Omar Hariri said: “This partnership is another significant milestone for Saudia Cargo. It is a confident step towards achieving our goals of turning the Kingdom into a modern global logistic hub.
“To become a central focal point that connects the east with the west by leveraging the Kingdom’s unique strategic location in the heart of world.
“This partnership will pave the way for open channels of global trade, which in turn, forms a massive contribution to the Saudi Vision 2030.”
“We are pleased to be working with Cainiao and look forward to more collaborations. Our new partnership assures customers of fast, flexible and cost-efficient solutions that will help businesses maximize resources while individual shoppers get more value for their money in these tough economic times.”
With its fleet of Boeing 747 and B777 freighter aircraft, Saudia Cargo has adequate space and tonnage capacity to haul e-Commerce goods on different routes.
Saudi Arabia is the largest economy in the Middle East with more than half of its population belonging to the 25-54 age group who are accustomed to buying things online. Burgeoning SMEs also turn to e-Commerce for their supplies and inventories.
Liege Airport is the sixth biggest cargo airport in Europe and the first in Belgium strategically connecting East and West.
It has handled more than 500m e-commerce packages in 2020, a record number despite the pandemic. It is the only European airport giving priority to full cargo and express transport, e-Commerce in particular.
